MRI Study Reveals Longer Colon in Children with Functional Constipation Compared to Healthy Controls

A recent MRI-based study has uncovered significant differences in colon length between children with functional constipation (FC) and their healthy peers. 
This pioneering research measured the undisturbed colons of 35 children, using advanced three-dimensional skeletonization to accurately determine colon length—a method that improves upon previous cadaver and unphysiological studies.
The study involved 19 healthy children (ages 10-18) and 16 children with FC (ages 7-18). 
Results showed that children with constipation had a significantly longer colon, with an average length of 69 cm/m², compared to 56 cm/m² in healthy controls (p = 0.0037). The most pronounced differences were observed in the ascending colon (p = 0.0479) and sigmoid-rectum (p = 0.0003).
In addition, the analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between colon length and factors such as age, height, weight, and colon volume. These findings underscore that colon length may serve as an important imaging marker for understanding colonic pathology, particularly in pediatric cases of constipation.
This study introduces colon length as a new, objective diagnostic endpoint, potentially enhancing our understanding of colonic morphology and function in children with FC, and offering insights that could lead to better management strategies for this condition.